Grandi's series and its associated sum have been discussed extensively over many years. In this work it is shown that the series is infinite and indeed, has the sum 0.5. The methods of solution are novel and employ accepted mathematical procedures. The first approach inverts the usual question of "what is the solution to this problem?" to, "of what problem is this a solution?".
Further, the existence of Grandi identities are identified and it is shown also that all of the infinite, convergent series contained within the infinitely large set may be expressed in terms of Grandi's series.
All of the functions from which the corresponding series are generated are shown to possess an indefinite number of derivatives of increasing order, each of which is expressible as an infinite series, and are hence ideal candidates for expansion in terms of Taylor's series.
2
Abstract
Grandi' series and its associated sum have been discussed extensively over many years. In
this work it is shown that the series is infinite and indeed, has the sum 0.5.
The methods of solution are novel and employ accepted mathematical procedures. The first
approach inverts the usual question of `what is the solution to this problem?' to, `of what
problem is this a solution?', whilst the second uses Cesaro summation to show that in order
for the sum of Grandi's series to be equal to 0.5, the series must be infinite.
Further, the existence of Grandi identities are identified and it is shown also that all of the
infinite, convergent series contained within the infinitely large set may be expressed in terms
of Grandi's series.
All of the functions from which the corresponding series are generated are shown to possess
an indefinite number of derivatives of increasing order, each of which is expressible as an
infinite series, and are hence ideal candidates for expansion in terms of Taylor's series.
3
Content
Introduction ... 4
Derivatives ... 7
Cesaro summation of Grandi's series. ... 12
Addendum ... 13
References ... 15
BBC BASIC computer programs ... 15
4
Introduction
The presentation of Grand's series and its sum is discussed widely in online fora in a way
which is completely out of context, in that the series is presented in isolation and then
wrangled over as to its sum and extent. This inevitably leads to the erroneous conclusions
noted below.
At the outset it must be emphasised that the term, ` infinity' and its associated notation, , do
not represent a number, but rather, are shorthand for the phrase `indefinitely large'.
Grandi's series,
= - + - + - + ... ... ... is frequently employed to illustrate
the paradoxes which may arise by the blind manipulation of infinite series. This is discussed
extensively by Stewart [1].
For example, the sum of the series may be shown to be equal zero or unity by the judicious
insertion of brackets in the series.
Thus,
= ( - ) + ( - ) + ( - ) + ... ... = .
Whilst,
= - ( - ) - ( - )- . . . = .
Both of these results have been obtained by dubious reasoning, for, in the case where the sum
is zero it has been tacitly assumed that the series contains an even number of terms, whilst the
converse has been assumed to obtain the second result.
A slightly more subtle, but nonetheless incorrect conclusion is obtained by subtracting
from unity,
i.e.
-
= - ( - + - + - + . . . ) = - + - + - + . . =
, and
so,
=
.
Simply because subtracting from unity gives a thing which resembles does not merit
calling the result , for it has been blithely assumed that the inclusion of another unity into
the series will make no difference. At bottom,
-
= -
, and no more may be said.
It seems that Grandi's series is nothing more than a mathematical curiosity.
We will now show that this is anything but the case.
Consider any real number, R in the range
.
For any of these R we may write:
= + , where x is a positive number in the range
.
Further, we may form the inverse, S, of R, thus,
=
=
+ . -------------(a)
5
Now, the quotient
+ may be expanded by the simple process of algebraic division to
yield:
1 - +
-
+
-
+ . .. . Even although, in some cases the LHS may be
determined with infinite precision, all of the series will extend indefinitely, unless x=0.
In compact form we then write,
=
(- )
----------------------- (1).
Given the form of equation (1) it is assumed that it will converge for all values of x less than,
or equal to unity.
In order to obtain a series which, it is assumed, converges for x
1 we reverse the order of
the denominator in equation (a), noting that the result is still equal to S and again, expand this
quotient by algebraic long division. An example of this procedure is shown on p590 of [2].
We now get :
=
-
+
-
+ . .. Remarks, similar to those above may be
made, but in this case, x = . All of this is discussed at length later in the work.
Hence,
=
(- )
-------------------- (2).
We have the same expectation as that expressed above,but with the caveat that equation (2)
will represent converging series if
1.
It will have been noticed by now that when x=1 both series become Grandi's series.
The left hand sides of both equations (1) and (2) may be determined to any accuracy for a
given value of x since both are equal to 1 1 + , hence it only remains to explore the right
hand sides by partial summation of the terms. The convergence of these series will be decided
by comparison of their partial sums with the LHSs.*
Taking x=1.265, a number chosen at random, the magnitude of the LHS of (2) is 0.4415011
by calculator. The magnitudes of the corresponding series summing the first 100 and 1000
terms are 0.44150114 and 0.44150114, respectively.*
Taking x=0.43215, again chosen at random, the magnitude of the LHS by calculator is
0.6982508. The magnitudes of the corresponding series summing the first 100 and 1000
terms are 0.698250882 and 0.698250882, respectively. For comparison, the magnitudes of
the first 5 and 10 terms are 0.70877496 and 0.698092262, respectively, and show, as
expected, the dependence of the summation upon the number of terms.*
S = 1/2
Now, we have partitioned the inverse of R in the range
into two regions, one
where
, the other where .
The function 1 1 + ranges from unity to zero, passing through 1 2 when x = 1, and where
the associated series is Grandi's series.
6
We now examine convergence of both sets of series in the vicinity of x = 1; in this we denote
the series given by equations (1) and (2) as and , respectively.
LHS
No. of terms
RHS
0.5025125 (x = 0.99)
10
0.0480492085
10^2
0.318576713
10^3
0.502490869
10^4
0.502512563
10^5
0.502512563
10^6
LHS
No. of terms
RHS
0.5002501 (x = 0.999)
10
0.00498004992
10^2
0.0476277403
10^3
0.316310443
10^4
0.500227527
10^5
0.500250125
10^6
LHS
No. of terms
RHS
0.500025 (x = 0.9999)
10
0.0004998005
10^2
0.00497557943
10^3
0.0475859325
10^4
0.316085281
10^5
0.500002311
10^6
0.500025001
LHS
No. of terms
RHS
0.5000025 (x = 0.99999) 10
0.000049998
10^2
0.00049975508
10^3
0.00497513275
10^4
0.0475817551
10^5
0.316062779
10^6
0.49997801
10^7
0.5000025
The purpose of the above set of values is to demonstrate that, as x
1 from above, the LHS
tends towards 1 2 and the associated series partial sums tend towards 1 2 provided that a
sufficient number of terms are included in the partial sum. The convergence of the partial
7
sums for a set of increasing x towards their respective LHSs is taken to be evidence that the
series are convergent and that as x approaches unity the number of terms in the partial sums
increases; indeed, increases without limit.
From the table immediately above it is seen that, for the series to converge to the value of the
LHS, requires that it extend to
10 terms. The time required to obtain this result on the
computer available to the author was in the region of eight hours. It is estimated that if x is
moved closer to unity, e.g. x = 0.999999 (S = 0.5000002) then the number of terms required
for convergence could well be in the region of
10 and the associated computing time, 3 1 2
days.
Further, it follows that the number of terms in the partial sum could be extended without limit
and correspondingly, S would approach 0.5.
This could be described as `convergence from above towards S = 0.5'.
The above analysis was also conducted on . Again the same behaviour was observed, and,
without displaying the plethora of tables as shown above it was found that for x = 1.00001 (S
= 0.4999975) the series converged to 0.4999975 using
10 terms, with the concomitant
computing time of eight hours.
Hence, for
1, the behaviour of the series may be described as `convergence from below
towards S = 0.5'
All of the foregoing is employed to establish that for x = 1, the series becomes Grandi's
series with sum 0.5, and occupies a position of some import within the infinite set of
convergent series representing the inverses of all of the real numbers in the range from unity
to infinity, inclusive. Moreover, Grandi's series demarcates those series whose sum is less
than 0.5 from those whose are greater than 0.5. It should be noted that we have not proved
that Grandi's series is convergent, despite showing that its sum is 0.5. What we have shown,
is that, in the convergence of series, arbitrarily close to Grandi's series, the number of terms
that are required for convergence becomes arbitrarily large.*
Accordingly, we may write:
( )
(- )
=
( )
(- )
=
------------- (3).
The upper limit of the summation is implied to be infinity.
Derivatives
The function,
= ( + ) is continuous in the range by virtue of the
continuity of the real numbers in this range. In addition, because of its form, S may be
differentiated an arbitrary number of times. If we make the not unreasonable assumption that
the corresponding series may be differentiated, term by term, then, new series may be
derived.
8
As an example, consider the function,
= ( + ) = - + - + - ...
=
= - ( + ) = - + -
+
... (c)
At the `location' of Grandi's series, x =1; hence, the series,
,
which could be termed the
first Grandi derivative for series 1 is:
= -
= - + - + - + -
.
Now,
= ( + ) =
-
+
-
+ ...
=
-
( + ) = -
+
-
+
...(d)
At x = 1, this series becomes the first Grandi derivative for series 2,
.
Hence,
= -
= - + - + - + -
.
There is an important caveat that must be noted at this juncture:
In view of the statements made at the beginning of this work, the temptation to introduce
brackets on the RHS of either of the first Grandi derivatives must be resisted; convergence
must be demonstrated by examining numerically, the behaviour of series (c) and (d)
arbitrarily close to x = 1 .
Numerical experimentation leads to the same conclusions which gave rise to equation (3).
Further numerical experimentation on `first derivative series' reveals that, outwith the
immediate vicinity of x = 1 (the position of Grandi's series) convergence of other series is
rapid; e.g. for x = 0.5 the LHS of (c) is calculated to be 0.444444..., whilst the RHS
converges to 0.444444.., after 35 terms. For x = 1.2 the LHS of (d) is calculated to be
0.20661157, whilst the RHS converges to 0.20661157 after 150 terms.*
For x = 0 and x = , convergence is instantaneous, for the series contain only one term.
Series for higher derivatives may be generated and examined for convergence by the methods
described above.*
Since the Grandi series may be differentiated an indefinite number of times then it follows
that we may express the `Grandi function',
, or any other such function, S, as a Taylor
series, for such a series contains an indefinite number of derivatives of increasing order.
As is well known, the Taylor series expansion for a function f(x) about a centre of
convergence, a, is
: ( )
= ( ) + ( - ) ( ) + ( - )
!
( ) + ( - )
!
( ) +
.
If,
= + ,
- = , and so we have:
9
( + ) = ( ) +
( ) +
!
( ) +
!
( ) +
!
( ) +
. (e).
If,
= - ,
- = - , hence:
( - ) = ( ) -
( ) +
!
( ) -
!
( ) +
!
( ) +
. (f).
In the earlier numerical investigations the value of the function
+ was easily
determined (again, within the limits of the display of the calculating device) for a given value
of x and the object then was to sum the corresponding series in x, to check for convergence
(although, in two cases, summing
10 terms).
From the above expressions it may be seen that there is an easy way, not to determine the
magnitude of the sum, but the difference between the value of the function at a and that at
( ± ). We illustrate this with the following example.
When x = a = 1 the function
+ could be described as the `Grandi function', for which
the first four derivatives are: ( )
= -
, ( ) =
,
( ) = -
,
( ) =
.
Hence, we rearrange equation (e) and write:
(
- ) = ( ) +
+
! +
! +
! +
.
( - ) - ( ) =
+
! +
! +
! +
.
i.e.
( - ) - ( ) =
+
+
+
+
. = ( ). --- (g).
A formula for g(h), which, in this instance, obviates the necessity to calculate the Grandi
derivatives, is: ( )
=
.
Hence, we may write: (
- ) - ( ) =
. ----------------- (4).
Now,
( + ) = ( ) +
( ) +
!
( ) +
!
( ) +
!
( ) +
.
And, in a similar manner as above, we may write:
10
( + ) - ( ) = -
+
-
+
-
. = ( ). --(f).
A formula for r(h), is: ( )
=
(- )
, and so:
( + ) - ( ) =
(- )
. ----------------- (5).
This process may be repeated for any f(x), for all that is required is the calculation of the
appropriate derivatives. A cursory examination of equations (4) and (5) show that, for small
h, later terms in the series tend rapidly towards insignificance in comparison with the earlier
terms--a hallmark of convergence.
Now,
= - ( + ) = - ; from which we conclude that = ±[
+ ].
Thus, there are, in particular, two Grandi series.
The
= -
corresponds to the series located at the position,
= - , within the
infinite set of series representing the inverse of the negative real numbers, -R, in the range
- - - , as shown in the figure below, together with the mirror-image positive
branch:
S
1
-x 0 x
-1
-S
We may write the inverse,
of a negative real number, -R, in the range
- - -
as:
= (- - ) = - ( + ).
11
It then follows that the negative Grandi series is,
= - + - + - + -
. = -
.
*The apparent rapid convergence of series outwith the immediate vicinity of x = 1 ,which are
examined by numerical means in this work, is illusory, to the extent that terms in the series
become so small that their effect cannot be seen as a result of the limits of the display of the
calculating devices. Strictly, with the exception of the first and last series in the infinite set,
viz. at x = 0 and x =
, respectively, which each contain only a single term and converge
immediately, in any other case the series only converges at infinity, i.e. after the summation
of an infinite number of terms, for whilst the partial sums may indicate convergence for a
particular number of terms, none of the terms beyond this number is zero. Indeed, if we wish
to be pedantic we could write the series whose sums are 1 and 0 as infinite series of the form,
1-0+0-0+0..., and 0-0+0-0+0... , respectively. All of the series presented here must be
absolutely convergent, for unless algebraic long division is an illegimate mathematical
procedure, the sum, represented by the series on the RHS, must equal the value on the LHS.
We may then argue that the veracity of the result,
= . , has been established beyond
reasonable doubt, and it may now be said that: 1
=
, not because the resulting
series resembles Grandi's series but because
= . .
Since
= - . , then, - -
=
, and
- - (- -
) =
.
Also,
- ( -
) =
.Further,
+
=
,
+
= ,
+
= . ,
-
= .
We may even devise a Grandi complex number, as follows:
Consider the complex numbers,
=
+
, and
=
+
, where
= + and
= + . Let A = B = 0. If we now take the inverses of these complex numbers and add
them together, we obtain the complex number,
,
=
-
, where
=
and
=
.
When
= = ,
=
=
,
,
=
+
(since
-
=
).
Further, we now proceed to show that any series of the type examined here may be written as
a multiple of Grandi' series.
Let us assume that any real number, R, in the range
may be written:
= ( + ), and its inverse, =
( + ). If we let x = 1, then, from either of
equations (1) or (2) we get,
=
( - + - + - + ), i.e. Grandi's series
multiplied by
.
12
Now, if x = 1 then a = R/2, hence S =
. Further, we may write R = (1 + y), with
inverse, S = ( + ). From equation (1), we may write, = (- ) for
and, from equation (2),
=
(- )
for
;
but,
=
- .
Hence we have:
=
(- ( - ))
for
( - ) ;
and
=
(- )
( - ) for ( - ) .
It is noted that the number, 2, occupies a unique status amongst the reals, and may be stated,
as follows:
`When R is given by the formula,
= ( + ), the number, 2 possesses a unique status
within the set of real numbers in the range, 1
, for, it is the only number
therein whose inverse may be represented solely by Grandi's series. `
Cesaro summation of Grandi's series.
Cesaro summation is well known and requires no further explanation here.
We write down a few of the Grandi partial sums together with their corresponding Cesaro
partial sums as follows:
Grandi Cesaro
1 = 1 1
0 = 1-1 1/2
1 = 1-1+1 2/3
0 = 1-1+1-1 1/2
1 = 1-1+1-1+1 3/5
0 = 1-1+1-1+1-1 1/2
1 = 1-1+1-1+1-1+1 4/7
0 = 1-1+1-1+1-1+1-1 1/2
1 = 1-1+1-1+1-1+1-1+1 5/9
These are sufficient for our purpose.
Consider the sequence of natural numbers: 1,2,3,4,5,6,... .
13
Substituting these numbers in turn into the formula: ( - ) gives the sequence:
1, 2/3, 3/5, 4/7, 5/9, ... which are the elements in the Cesaro sums which correspond to odd
numbers of unity in the Grandi series.
Examination of the array shown above reveals that the denominators of each Cesaro sum not
equal to ½ is equal to the number of unities in the corresponding Grandi partial sum.
If we describe the number of unities in any partial sum of the Grandi series as the
`penetration', d, of the the series, then, for d, odd, we may write: 2
- = .
It then follows that we may generate any Cesaro sum,C, for an odd value of, d, from the
formula:
= ( + )
. Thus, any odd-numbered Cesaro partial sum may be generated
in terms of the penetration, d, of Grandi's series. Hence, we can generate all Cesaro partial
sums, for the sum for any even number penetration is 1/2 .
From,
= ( + )
we calculate the following Cesaro partial sums
= ,
= ; = ,
= ; = ,
= ; = ,
= ;
= ,
= .
Writing
= + /
shows clearly that: as
, / .
This suggests strongly that Grandi's series is infinite with sum,
.
The convergence, or otherwise, of series and associated derivatives in the vicinity, or indeed,
outwith the vicinity, of Grandi's series may, in part, be investigated further, facilitated by the
BBC Basic programs appended to this work (which may be amended as necessary), but,
given the time involved in actual computation, this is left to those with the computational
fortitude and computing power so to do.
Addendum
On the previous page it was noted that the extent of any calculated result was constrained by
the limits of the display of the calculating device. We can, in at least one instance circumvent
these limitations by reference to numbers which can be written down to any desired extent.
This is illustrated by the following example:
14
For
= . ,
= ( . ) =
= .
... ...
.
The partial sums, as far as
10 terms, arising from equation (1) for x = 0.8 are shown below:
Number of terms
Partial sum
10
0.495903232
20
0.549150436
30
0.55486811
40
0.55548171
50
0.555547626
60
0.555554704
70
0.555555464
80
0.555555546
90
0.555555555
10^2
0.555555555
10^3
0.555555555
10^4
0.555555555
The values in the table exhibit a characteristic feature; namely that, outwith the immediate
vicinity of the `Grandi point', the partial sums of the series rapidly approach the calculated
values of S.
For
= . it is easy to show that, ( ) = . (
+
+
+
+
,
). It should be noted that it is only possible to write this result because the Grandi
derivatives have been calculated previously..
Now, ( )
= ( . ) - ( . ), which, for emphasis is written:
f(1) = 0.55555555555555555555555555555555555...ad inf
-0.055555555555555555555555555555555555... ad inf
= 0.500000000000000000000000000000000000...ad inf
Which shows that the Grandi sum,
= . may be also be obtained from the difference
between two infinite series, for each of the numbers above are infinite series in their own
right. The result only requires that the two series be aligned appropriately, as would be the
case for any subtraction.
15
References
[1] Concepts of Modern Mathematics
Ian Stewart
Dover Publications Inc, 1995.
[2] Advanced Engineering Mathematics
C R Wylie Jnr
McGraw-Hill Book Company Inc, 1960.
BBC BASIC computer programs
10 INPUT NT,X
20 SA=0
30 SB = 0
40 FOR N = 1 TO NT
50 A = (-1)^(N-1)*(1/X)^N
60 B=N*((-1)^N)/(X^(N+1))
70 PRINT A,B
80 P1A = SA+A
90 P1B=SB+B
100 SA = P1A
110 SB=P1B
120 NEXT N
130 PRINT SA, SB, (1/(X+1)), (-1/((X+1)^2)), (1+X)
140 REM THIS PROGRAM EVALUATES THE SUM OF THE CHOSEN NUMBER
OF TERMS (NT) FOR GIVEN VALUES OF X , WHERE X IS GREATER THAN OR
EQUAL TO UNITY, AND THE GRADIENT, WHICH SHOULD CONVERGE TO -
1/(X+1)^2 .
16
10 INPUT NT,X
20 SA = 0
30 SB = 0
40 FOR N = 1 TO NT
50 A = ((-X)^(N-1))
60 B = ((N+1)*((-1)^(N+1))*X^N)
70 PRINT A,B
80 P1A = SA+A
90 P1B = SB+B
100 SA = P1A
110 SB=P1B
120 NEXT N
130 PRINT SA,SB-1, (1/(X+1)), (-1/(X+1)^2), (1+X)
140 REM THIS PROGRAM EVALUATES THE SUM OF THE CHOSEN NUMBER
OF TERMS (NT) FOR GIVEN VALUES OF X , WHERE X IS LESS THAN OR
EQUAL TO UNITY, AND ALSO THE GRADIENT, WHICH SHOULD CONVERGE
TO -1/(1+X)^2
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of this document about Grandi's series?
This document primarily explores Grandi's series (1 - 1 + 1 - 1 + ...) and its associated sum. It challenges common misconceptions, demonstrates that the series is infinite and has a sum of 0.5 using novel mathematical approaches, and discusses the series' significance within a broader mathematical context.
How does the document approach the solution for Grandi's series?
The document employs two primary methods. The first inverts the usual problem-solving approach, asking "Of what problem is this a solution?". The second uses Cesaro summation to demonstrate that for Grandi's series to equal 0.5, it must be infinite.
What are Grandi identities, and how are they related to other series?
The document identifies the existence of Grandi identities. It shows that all infinite, convergent series within a large set can be expressed in terms of Grandi's series.
What is the nature of the functions from which the series are generated?
The functions that generate the corresponding series are shown to have an indefinite number of derivatives of increasing order. Each derivative can be expressed as an infinite series, making them suitable for expansion using Taylor's series.
What does the document say about infinity and its notation?
The document emphasizes that "infinity" and its associated notation (∞) do not represent a number but are shorthand for "indefinitely large."
How does the document address the paradoxes associated with Grandi's series?
The document directly addresses the paradoxes that arise from manipulating infinite series by highlighting how different grouping strategies (e.g., inserting brackets) can lead to seemingly contradictory results. It cautions against dubious reasoning and tacit assumptions about the number of terms.
How are equations (1) and (2) used to analyze the series?
Equations (1) and (2) represent the series in a general form, allowing for the analysis of convergence based on the value of 'x'. The document examines convergence properties of both sets of series in the vicinity of x = 1 (Grandi's Series)
What does the document state about convergence in the vicinity of x=1?
The document explains that as x approaches 1, partial sums of the related series tend toward 1/2, provided a sufficient number of terms are included. It observes "convergence from above" and "convergence from below" towards 1/2 as x approaches 1 from either side.
What is the document's conclusion about derivatives of the Grandi function?
The document states that the Grandi function can be differentiated an arbitrary number of times, leading to new series. This allows for the expression of the Grandi function as a Taylor series.
Does the document provide computer programs?
Yes, the document includes BBC BASIC computer programs for evaluating the sums of the series and their gradients. These programs can be modified to further investigate the convergence properties of the series.
What is the significance of the number 2 in the context of real numbers and Grandi's series?
The document states that when a real number (R) is given by a formula involving (1+y), the number 2 possesses a unique status within the set of real numbers because its inverse may be represented solely by Grandi's series.
What is the value of the Grandi series?
The document concludes that the Grandi's series is infinite with the sum of 1/2.
Excerpt out of 16 pages
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- Quote paper
- William Fidler (Author), 2017, The emergence of Grandi's series as a member of an infinite set of convergent infinite series, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/386034
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